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Bill Belichick He may not have the college coaching debut he hoped for in his first season with the North Carolina Tar Heels, but the New England Patriots legend is still undeniable when it comes to his legacy in the NFL.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that Belichick is among the final 12 coaches in contention for the 2026 class, a group that will be narrowed to nine semifinalists in early November.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick blows his whistle during an NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Steven Senn/AP Photo)
Other notable coaches competing include Tom Coughlin, who led the team. New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories, as well as Super Bowl champions Mike Holmgren, George Seifert and Mike Shanahan.
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Belichick finished his NFL coaching career in 2023 as the architect of one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history, with the Patriots winning six Super Bowls under his leadership.
Tuesday's news comes amid Belichick's torrid start at North Carolina.
Between Tar Heels record 2-4 and Belichick's relationship with Jordon Hudson dominating most of the headlines, Belichick's rookie season was riddled with distractions. Earlier this month, Hulu reportedly pulled the plug on the docuseries after Coach's first season.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson watch from the sidelines as TCU plays at Kenan Memorial Stadium. (Eric W. Rascoe/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
BILL BELICHICK, JORDON HUDSON'S HOT MICROPHONE MOMENT LEAKED Amid UNC'S DRAMA-FILLED SEASON
That decision was reversed after North Carolina's crushing loss to Clemson at home.
Just last week, a heated mic moment between Belichick and Hudson leaked online. In a clip obtained by Pablo Torre Finds out, the pair can be heard making disappearing remarks about the production and graphics team while filming Belichick's show “Coach,” which aired on the Underdog Network last year.
The media circus surrounding the longtime coach has reached the point where rumors have begun to circulate that both sides are discussing a “potential exit strategy.” But Belichick and UNC later released statements denying this.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick stands on the sideline during the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
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“I am completely committed to UNC Football and the program we are building here,” Belichick said at the time.
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